How much do industrial organizational psychologists make

1. Pay & salary
2. How Much Do Industrial Psychologists Make? (With Duties)

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated September 7, 2022 | Published February 25, 2020

Updated September 7, 2022

Published February 25, 2020

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

If you're researching careers in the field of psychology, you may want to learn more about becoming an industrial-organizational psychologist. These professionals, also known as I/O or industrial psychologists, work with businesses to help them implement internal structures that support the health, well-being and productivity of their employees. Learning about industrial psychologists and their average earnings can help you decide if this is the right career for you.

In this article, we explain what industrial psychologists do, provide information about how much industrial psychologists make on average and outline the requirements for becoming one.

What is an industrial psychologist?

Industrial psychologists apply their knowledge of human psychology to improve workplaces. The work that an industrial psychologist does is a blend of business strategy and understanding human behavior. This includes consulting with business leaders and human resources professionals to evaluate their current strategies for managing their employees and recommending improvements. Often, the goal of an industrial psychologist is to make the workplace a happier, healthier environment for employees while promoting productivity. Here are some of the daily duties that industrial psychologists perform:

• Applying statistical methods to company data to aid in decision-making

• Developing performance evaluations that drive improvement

• Interviewing workers to gain greater insight into the dynamics of the workplace

• Participating in hiring decisions by helping to assess a candidate's fit for the work environment

• Developing training methodologies using their knowledge of how people learn

• Advising management on how changes in policies and procedures may impact the workforce

Related: Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Definition and How It Works

What are the responsibilities of industrial psychologists?

The responsibilities of an industrial psychologist vary significantly by position and industry. In general, these professionals can provide useful insight into any discussion of how people interact with their jobs. Here are a few of the tools that an industrial psychologist uses to participate in decision-making and management:

• Employee surveys on benefits, work schedules, production flow and more

• Focus groups to give feedback on advertising, packaging and other product placement

• Skills assessments to match employees to the tasks they are best suited for

• Performance appraisals to encourage positive behavior and to help employees set goals for themselves

• Online surveys, sometimes anonymous, to encourage honest responses from employees and customers

Industrial psychologists often create reports based on their findings, then present them to company executives. They can make suggestions to improve employee engagement and productivity and create a healthy working environment.

Related: Industrial-Organizational Psychology vs. Human Resources Management

Salary of industrial psychologists

While there isn't any salary data available for industrial psychologists specifically, the average salary for psychologists, in general, is $120,191 per year. Since industrial psychologists work in an area of specialty, they may earn a higher average salary than general practitioners in psychology. Additionally, the salary for industrial psychologists may vary based on their geographic location, setting of employment, level of education, years of experience and area of specialty. For example, an industrial psychologist who works as an independent business consultant for major corporations may make a comparatively high average salary.

For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link provided.

Related: 20 High-Paying Psychology Jobs

Top industrial psychologist salaries by state

The base salary and benefits for an industrial psychologist vary based on geography, required experience and education, the size and type of company and the duties of the position. Major metropolitan areas where corporate offices are located may offer higher salaries than smaller cities and rural areas.

Here's the average salary for psychologists in each state. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

• Alabama: $114,353 per year

• Alaska: $121,917 per year

• Arizona: $120,264 per year

• Arkansas: $111,802 per year

• California: $130,259 per year

• Colorado: $124,888 per year

• Connecticut: $124,951 per year

• Delaware: $118,572 per year

• Florida: $115,591 per year

• Georgia: $118,225 per year

• Hawaii: $117,795 per year

• Idaho: $110,880 per year

• Illinois: $122,952 per year

• Indiana: $114,159 per year

• Iowa: $115,618 per year

• Kansas: $113,152 per year

• Kentucky: $111,779 per year

• Louisiana: $113,924 per year

• Maine: $116,071 per year

• Maryland: $125,177 per year

• Massachusetts: $129,150 per year

• Michigan: $117,052 per year

• Minnesota: $121,437 per year

• Mississippi: $109,002 per year

• Missouri: $118,719 per year

• Montana: $110,599 per year

• Nebraska: $114,640 per year

• Nevada: $118,575 per year

• New Hampshire: $116,599 per year

• New Jersey: $125,770 per year

• New Mexico: $116,015 per year

• New York: $128,658 per year

• North Carolina: $117,577 per year

• North Dakota: $116,126 per year

• Ohio:$115,890 per year

• Oklahoma: $111,671 per year

• Oregon: $121,548 per year

• Pennsylvania: $119,261 per year

• Rhode Island: $119,588 per year

• South Carolina: $114,211 per year

• South Dakota: $112,459 per year

• Tennessee: $115,436 per year

• Texas: $120,069 per year

• Utah: $115,476 per year

• Vermont: $114,254 per year

• Virginia: $123,544 per year

• Washington: $127,515 per year

• West Virginia: $111,482 per year

• Wisconsin: $116,360 per year

• Wyoming: $113,700 per year

Related: Base Salary and Your Benefits Package

Industrial psychologist requirements

Becoming an industrial psychologist involves completing extensive education and training.
Here are some of the requirements to become an industrial psychologist:

Education

The minimum education needed to be an industrial psychologist is a master's degree. With a master's, an industrial psychologist can provide consulting services to a company, but they can't practice as clinicians. To offer clinical services, industrial psychologists need to earn a doctoral degree. Earning a doctorate degree equips industrial psychologists with the skills they need to use diagnostic tools to assess the mental health of their clients. If you prefer to work in a consultancy role, you likely only need a master's to become an industrial psychologist.

Coursework for master's and doctoral programs typically involves data analysis, consumer psychology, labor relations, and employee psychology. Doctoral programs include a clinical training portion in which students earn practical experience in a corporate setting. Additionally, doctoral programs may emphasize research and train students in the skills they need to become independent researchers.

Related: How To Become an Industrial Psychologist Step By Step

Training

Industrial psychologists receive training throughout school, then get additional on-the-job training once they begin working. To provide clinical services, industrial psychologists need to undergo extensive training throughout their schooling. They also complete ongoing education to maintain any credentials they have. This education could involve attending seminars or taking additional classes.

On-the-job training may include learning about organizational goals, the workplace atmosphere and other aspects specific to the company. This training helps an industrial psychologist create a more focused work agenda to improve the organization. You may also participate in opportunities like internships before starting your career as an industrial psychologist. Completing an internship during your degree program is a great way to gain relevant skills while developing your professional network.

Related: 10 Ways To Get the Most From Your Internship

Certifications

To practice clinical psychology, individuals need a license. They can apply for a license once they complete a doctoral program and complete a certain amount of clinical training. Each state has different licensing requirements industrial psychologists need to meet before applying, which might include passing a background check or comprehensive exam.

Industrial psychologists don't need a license if they don't plan to offer clinical services, though certification is possible. The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) offers a certification that industrial psychologists can earn to demonstrate their knowledge and dedication to the subject. To become a board-certified industrial psychologist, individuals need to pass an exam and renew the credential based on the ABPP's current guidelines.

Please note that the company mentioned in this article is not affiliated with Indeed.

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